Denmark: Emmelie-song for MGP 2016 approved by EBU

An old song written and performed by Emmelie de Forest is participating in MGP 2016, but EBU has now approved that the song can continue in Melodi Grand Prix in Denmark. It was in danger of being disqualified from MGP because of violation of MGP rules

EBU has decided that the song "Never Alone" performed by Anja Nissen, co-written by Emmelie de Forest can continue in Melodi Grand Prix. The song doesn't violate the EBU rules, and if it should win the Danish MGP on 13 February there is nothing to prevent the song from participating in Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm.

In danger of being disqualified

After the confusion and uncertainty about the rules and the song, the Danish broadcaster DR has contacted EBU to be 100% on the safe side, if the song should win the Danish selection on 13 February. EBU considers the song to be able to participate in Eurovision, and approves therefore the song.

The song "Never Alone" is not a new song – it is both old, and has been performed several times in the past.

Emmelie de Forest, who co-wrote the song, has been singing the song at several concerts around Denmark in the past, as early as 2014.

The singer Anja Nissen is very happy that she can perform the song at Melodi Grand Prix: »I am relieved! I am so glad that the song is still in the competition, of course I have been a little nervous. But now I can again give all my focus on making the best performance«, says Anja to dr.dk.

DR's rules for Melodi Grand Prix 2016:

3.The compositions chosen for the competition (music, text, demo recording) with a maximum duration of 3 minutes should generally not in any way have been performed in public, officially published on any media, or sold without explicit consent from DR. This includes but is not limited to radio, TV, the Internet (eg. YouTube etc.). DR must be informed immediately if the composition has been published earlier on eg. SoundCloud and it is up to DR to decide if the composition can join the competition.

If the abovementioned is not complied with or if DR estimates that the entry does not comply EBUs conditions and rules for the ESC 2016 or has gained an advantage in the competition compared to the other entries DR has the right to disqualify the entry.Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2016 will take place in Horsens on 13 February 2016. The winner will represent Denmark at Eurovision Song Contest 2016 in Stockholm.